When it comes to batting we are often focused on batting and bowling and give less importance to fielding! The fielding part is also one of the most important factors which is necessary for the success of any team. It also has the potential to turn the game to unexpected results. Many people in the IPL auctions invest so much money in the players with their expert bowling and batting skills and forget about fielding. Hence, it also becomes necessary to select, even based on this category, who has good experience in fielding.
But for that, you should know about the legendary fielding players who have changed the direction of the game. So, if you are interested in knowing about them, let's move further with the list of best fielders in cricket history who have made major contributions and created a great impact in both national as well as international matches.
What Is the Importance of Fielding in Cricket?
We often disregard the importance of fielding in cricket and only focus on those awarded orange cap winners. Fielding also has a major role in cricket which requires a huge range of skills to sustain as well as outwit the opponent in the game. Fielders require speed to be able to move across the field in and out freely; they also require arm strength so that they can throw the ball at 50-80 yards; fielders also require agility with a combo of strong hands and keen eyes so that the ball never escapes their vision and the hands.
Having a good fielder helps reduce the number of runs scored by the batting side of the game. Also, it helps the fielders to collect the ball as soon as possible which helps with missing out their balls with dismissals and also maintaining pressure on the opposition. Thus it is a vital skill to be learnt keenly.
List Out the Best Fielder in Cricket History
With cricket being the most popular sports in India, the player's role also plays a vital role and remarkably must be added to the list based on their area of expertise. However, the list of the best fielders in cricket history goes by,
Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes is the first name that appears on our list of the best and the most influential fielder in history. He is especially known for his rocket speed which makes him move across the entire field with an amazing sense of agility as well. His talent and relentless energy are what made him famous for this skilful role in cricket. However, he played a major role in the fielding where he made the runouts look fairly easy in the game. He is also known for his acrobatic diving matches and lighting fast run-outs
Paul Collingwood
Paul Collingwood is another great personality in our list of the best fielders in cricket history. He has also served as the captain of the England Cricket Team, whose fielding is considered to be his best attribute, even more than his batting and bowling. The echo of his fielding appreciation could be heard worldwide where he is known for his sharp reflexes and also reliable hands that made him stand out among others in his career. His notable achievements are the ICC trophy, the 2010 World Twenty20, etc. He has also received the MBE award and has become one of the most respected fielders.
Ravindra Jadeja
The next great personality who tops our list of the most famous and best fielders in cricket history is Ravindra Jadeja. He is considered a hero on the cricket field with his all-rounding skills, arm strength, and accuracy. His quick reflexes and expert predictions have given him the name "Sir Jadeja" which earned him several awards as well as the ICC Test Player of the Year award in 2019. He has a rare skill of hitting the stump directly and also rarely drops catches.
Apart from just spinning and catching the ball, he also won the bid in the 2012 auctions and was the most expensive player in cricket of the year. He was bid for 12.8 crores by the Chennai Super Kings, and this made him an even more famous personality.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina is another important and well-known fielder in cricket history who is especially known for his extraordinary fielding skills. His reflexes and the sure handedness are what have given success to the Indian cricket teams in many matches. For around a decade, he has played for India where he has delivered 300 matches for India and also was a vital part of the Indian cricket team. He uses spin bowling techniques and is also a left-baller who is known for his powerful shots and his electric presence in the inner circles, which made him stand out. However, he has retired from all forms of the matches. However, he was regarded as one of the best fielders in cricket history.
AB De Villiers
AB de Villiers is also known for his versatility and athleticism renowned for his ability to pull breathtaking catches and effect run-out with precision. Originally, he was a wicket-taker, but he changed his role to fielder and made his fans wowed with his performances on the field. His skills are extraordinary, such as speed, intensity, sharp reflexes, etc.
- Also Read: Best Cricket Umpires In The World
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Fielder in Cricket History
Who Has the Habit of Hitting the Stumps Directly?
Ravindra Jadeja, also known as "Jaddu", is the player who hits the ball directly on the stump.
Is Virat Kohli a Best Fielder?
Virat Kohli received the prize for the best fielder of the World Cup match in 2023 in the finals with Australia.
Who is called the Mr. 360 in the Indian Premier League?
AB de Villiers is renowned for his ability to pull breathtaking catches. He is referred to as Mr 360 or superhuman, as he can hit the ball all over the ground in all directions and at all sides of the wicket.
However, the best fielders in cricket history are categorised based on their talents and skills like agility, speed, reflexes and many more. The contributions of these players have saved countless runs, with matches turning in their favour. Thus, their achievements are cemented in cricket history.
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